Restoration Tragedy

Definition

Restoration tragedy refers to a form of serious drama that emerged in England during the Restoration period, which began in 1660 after the monarchy was restored. This genre sought to elevate the tragic themes of love, honor, and moral conflict, often featuring complex characters and heightened emotional states. While it shared some elements with earlier tragedies, Restoration tragedy was marked by its blend of heroic sentiment and often extravagant spectacle, reflecting the changing tastes of an audience eager for dramatic and emotional narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Restoration tragedy was heavily influenced by classical Greek and Roman drama, adapting their themes of fate and moral dilemmas to fit the tastes of a 17th-century audience.
2. Notable playwrights of Restoration tragedy include John Dryden and Thomas Otway, who are known for their complex characters and intricate plots.
3. The genre often incorporated elements of spectacle, including elaborate sets and costumes, which appealed to the newly reestablished audience eager for visual grandeur in theatre.
4. Restoration tragedies often tackled themes such as love triangles, honor, and betrayal, showcasing the intense emotional struggles of their characters.
5. Despite its popularity, Restoration tragedy faced criticism for being overly melodramatic and sometimes lacking the depth found in earlier tragedies from the Elizabethan era.

Review Questions

• How did Restoration tragedy reflect the social and cultural changes occurring in England during the late 17th century?
  • Restoration tragedy mirrored the social and cultural shifts of late 17th-century England by addressing themes relevant to a society recovering from civil war and monarchy's restoration. The focus on love, honor, and moral conflict resonated with audiences grappling with their identities in a changed political landscape. This genre's emphasis on spectacle also reflects the newfound appreciation for theatre as an entertainment medium following the reopening of playhouses after years of suppression.
• Analyze the key characteristics that differentiate Restoration tragedy from earlier forms of English tragedy.
  • Restoration tragedy diverges from earlier English tragedies by introducing a blend of heroic themes with extravagant spectacle. Unlike the more serious tones of Elizabethan tragedies that focused on moral downfall and fate, Restoration tragedies often showcase complex characters embroiled in emotional turmoil but presented with heightened theatrical elements like lavish costumes and elaborate sets. This shift represents a change in audience expectations towards more sensational storytelling while still grappling with profound human experiences.
• Evaluate the impact that Restoration tragedy had on the development of later theatrical movements and genres.
  • Restoration tragedy laid foundational elements for subsequent theatrical movements by merging emotional depth with visual spectacle, which would influence later genres like melodrama and even modern theatre forms. The focus on character complexity and moral ambiguity found in Restoration tragedies set a precedent for more nuanced storytelling in theatre. Additionally, its interplay between serious themes and entertaining presentation paved the way for future playwrights to explore similar dynamics while pushing narrative boundaries.

Related terms

Heroic Drama: A subgenre of Restoration tragedy characterized by grand themes of heroism and moral complexity, often involving larger-than-life characters facing extraordinary circumstances.

Restoration Comedy: A lighter counterpart to Restoration tragedy, focusing on comedic situations and social commentary, often using wit and satire to critique contemporary society.

Theatre of the Absurd: A post-World War II theatrical movement that reflects themes of existentialism and absurdity, challenging traditional narrative structures and character development.